Metrobus strikes jogger in Northwest

WASHINGTON - A young woman jogging in a crosswalk suffered life-threatening injuries after an out-of-service Metrobus struck her Thursday morning.

Amanda Mahnke, 30, is currently in stable condition at George Washington University Hospital. Mahnke works as the communications director for U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.

She was wearing ear buds when she was struck in the intersection of Connecticut Ave NW and Florida Ave NW.

A witness tells WTOP Mahnke appeared conscious but in pain after the accident, and she raised her hand in the air to signal for paramedics.

Other witnesses say the area is very popular for joggers - with a health club just up the street from the scene of the accident.

Metro officials say the bus did not have any customers on it. It was heading back to the northern bus garage when the accident occurred at 8:35 a.m. at the intersection of Connecticut and Florida Avenues in Northwest.

The bus was heading east on Florida Avenue at the time of the accident. Initially, WTOP was told the bus was making a turn.

The bus operator is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which will include drug and alcohol testing, which is standard procedure for Metro accident investigation.

Police say there is a traffic camera at the intersection, and they are trying to download video to see if they can gather any further details.

The name of the operator has not been released, but Metro says she has been a driver since August 2000.

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